MIRJANA Wilson is the inaugural ACT Violence Prevention Woman of the Year.

She was one of the four women publicly recognised at the annual ACT Women of the Year announcement at the High Court of Australia on International Women’s Day on March 8.

The annual awards honour individual women who have made an outstanding contribution and demonstrated courage in improving the status and lives of women and girls in the ACT.

This year an additional category of award, the ACT Violence Prevention Woman of the Year, was presented to acknowledge the dedicated and impressive work in the area of countering domestic violence over the last 18 months.

Mirjana, as the executive director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS), is credited with leading her team into the changing landscape of domestic and family violence, rising to the challenge of the increased public profile of DVCS and supporting staff to cope with the increased workload and pressures with a contribution that extends well beyond her paid role.

Entrepreneur Amanda Whitley was named ACT Woman of the Year and is credited with promoting Canberra to the world and creating an inclusive community for Canberra women.

ACT Young Woman of the Year, Rachael Stevens, is an author, artist, advocate and mentor who encourages and inspires women and girls who are struggling with mental illness.

She shares her personal experiences to open up communication and improve the lives of young women and girls, particularly those impacted by eating disorders.

Retired social worker Krishna Sadhana won the ACT Senior Woman of the Year title and was recognised for her work in voluntarily organising numerous social events for women, including the annual Fruit Tingles Women’s Dance as a part of SpringOUT Pride Festival. She also uses her skills to support women who have experienced sudden death, domestic violence, mental illness and other traumas.